Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on Switch 2 Shows Promising 60 FPS Performance Ahead of Beta
Nintendo players have been waiting years for a major Call of Duty comeback, and the first look at Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 running on Switch 2 suggests the wait may be worth it. With the beta weekend approaching, early gameplay footage has surfaced, giving fans a closer look at how the highly anticipated shooter performs on Nintendo’s new hardware.
Content creator BoTalksGames recently shared impressions from the Switch 2 version, highlighting that the game is aiming for 60 frames per second in both docked and handheld modes. For a fast-paced first-person shooter like Call of Duty, that target matters. Smooth frame rates can make a huge difference in aiming, movement, reaction time, and overall multiplayer competitiveness.
The footage focused on the 3v3 version of the new Kill Block mode, so it does not yet show how the system handles larger matches with more players, explosions, and on-screen chaos. Even so, the early results are encouraging, especially with the game’s full release scheduled for October 23.
One of the biggest takeaways is that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on Switch 2 appears to deliver a surprisingly smooth experience. In docked mode, performance reportedly stays close to 60 fps most of the time, with only rare dips below that target. This helps keep gunfights responsive and movement fluid, which is essential for a modern Call of Duty title.
Infinity Ward had previously suggested that the Switch 2 version would offer frame rates comparable to the versions on PS5, Xbox, and PC. Based on the early footage, the studio seems to be making a serious effort to bring Nintendo players a competitive version rather than a heavily stripped-down port.
That does not mean the Switch 2 version is identical in every visual detail. As expected, there are some compromises due to the hardware differences. Draw distances appear shorter compared to more powerful platforms, meaning faraway objects and environmental details may not appear as clearly or as early. Texture pop-in can also be seen at times, where surfaces and objects take a moment to fully load their higher-quality appearance.
Enemy models also look less detailed than they do on other systems, and some animations may appear a bit rough. Another issue mentioned in the early impressions is blurriness when using a scope in docked mode, which could affect long-range visibility for players who prefer sniper rifles or precision aiming.
Interestingly, the handheld experience may be one of the most impressive parts of this version. In portable mode, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 still appears to hold close to 60 fps, while some of the visual softness seen in docked mode seems less noticeable on the smaller screen. That could make the Switch 2 version one of the strongest portable Call of Duty experiences to date.
For many Nintendo fans, the ability to play a full Modern Warfare game on the go could be the main selling point. If the final release maintains stable performance in both campaign and multiplayer, Switch 2 owners may finally get a Call of Duty entry that feels current, complete, and competitive.
Another major positive is feature parity. Infinity Ward is bringing the same single-player and multiplayer content to Switch 2 that players will find on other platforms. That means Nintendo users will not be missing major modes or core features. The game is also set to support Switch 2 mouse mode and the console’s built-in microphone, giving players more ways to communicate and control the action.
There is still time for improvement before launch. The beta tests will likely help the developers identify performance issues, balance concerns, and visual bugs before the retail version arrives. Larger multiplayer matches will be the real test, as they can put much more pressure on the hardware than smaller 3v3 sessions.
The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta schedule is also worth noting. Players on PS5, Xbox, and PC who pre-ordered the game will get early access beginning August 21. Nintendo players will have to wait a little longer, with the open beta starting on August 28.
So far, the Switch 2 version is shaping up better than many may have expected. While visual compromises are present, the combination of 60 fps gameplay, handheld support, full content parity, and modern Call of Duty multiplayer could make this one of the most important third-party releases for Nintendo’s new console.
If Infinity Ward can polish the visuals, reduce blur, and keep performance steady in larger matches, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 could become a major win for Switch 2 players when it launches on October 23.
